Evaluation of physical fitness of elderly women, residents of houses of social services

Abstract

AbstractAim of the study: The aim of the paper is evaluation of chosen parameters of physical fitness of elderly women residing in houses of social services with different standards of living.Material and methods: The research was conducted on 124 women, residents of houses of social services, aged 60-89. Women included in the survey were divided into two groups according to their age: a younger group, 60-74 years old, and an older group, 75-89. Among houses of social services two kinds were distinguished: the first one - model houses with higher standard in which there is motor rehabilitation and occupational therapy, stimulating their residents, and the second kind - average houses in which rehabilitation and occupational therapy is given to a lesser degree and among lower number of residents. To evaluate physical fitness the Senior Test - Fullerton Functional Fitness Test was used. This test is designed to evaluate functional efficiency of elderly people.Results: As a result of the survey it has been stated that residents of model houses, leading an active life, have better results in the fitness test than women from average houses.Conclusions: Physical activity has a positive influence on a level of physical fitness and increases self-reliance of residents in performing everyday activities.